Understanding Earth's Energy Sources

Lesson Description:In part 1, students will know how fossil fuels were formed; recognize common uses of earth’s fossil energy resources and develop an understanding of the risks and benefits of their continued use. In part 2, students focus on the importance of renewable energy resources for a sustainable future. Current renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, biomass, hydrogen, hydroelectric, and geothermal) are discussed. Information on solar is located on a separate power point (2006 solar pp) as is hydrogen and transportation alternatives. Students will be able to distinguish between renewable and nonrenewable energy resources and identify the positive and negative effects of each. The long-term understanding of this unit is for the students to make informed energy decisions in the future.